The right-back is believed to have cost the Gunners around 12 million pounds and he becomes the club's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona last week.

Debuchy, who played for France at the recent World Cup in Brazil, impressed in his 18 months at Newcastle after signing from Lille last January.

He told Arsenal's official website: "I'm very proud to be joining a great club like Arsenal and to wear its colours, it's one of the biggest clubs in the whole world.

"I'm looking forward to working with Arsene Wenger and to helping the team build on last season's FA Cup success. Playing again in the Champions League is a big excitement for me and I will do my best to help Arsenal compete for trophies.''

Manager Wenger added: "We are delighted to welcome Mathieu Debuchy to Arsenal Football Club. He has shown he can perform at the highest level with his club sides and also for France.